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Norman Thomson, Ph.D. Department of Mathematics and Science Education Special Interests |
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Download Environmental Dilemmas in Georgia: Considering Alternative Solutions in pdf format. |
My interests integrate themes that focus on the generation of science knowledge and its dissemination through learning. These interests are connected through a view that science is an endeavor that can best be taught, understood, and appreciated within contextualized learning environments. Rationalization for focusing on these interests center around a quest to construct answers to my question: Who learns what in science, and, why? Motivation for my work has its origins from teaching biology and chemistry in East Africa, my interest in maintaining and promoting diversity in cultures, education, and biological species, and involvement in international science curriculum development and evaluation of student learning. My interests allow me to currently work with people in Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.
- Inquiry, Visualization, & Modeling, in Science
- Emergent Technologies, Modeling, and Learning in Science
- Indigenous /Local Contextual Science Knowledge and Learning
- International Education Indigenous /Local Contextual Science Knowledge and Learning
- Evolution and Extinction Humanid Origins
- Chemistry: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
In 2002 I was awarded the Faculty Senate D. Keith Osborne Award for Teaching Excellence. I am an elected member of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars; Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society; Kappa Delta Pi, National Education Honor Society; and an honorary member of Kappa Delta Epsilon, Honor Society. In 2005, I was a recipient of the African Studies Institute Award, Achievement in the Development of Curriculum Award, for the Kenya Study Abroad Program.
Leopard with impala in Maasai Mara Reserve, Kenya
Forthcoming / Recent Publications:
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Thomson, N. & Chomchid, P. (in preparation). Chemistry Atomic Structure: VAST-Models (Visualizing Atomic Structure Through –Models.
Thomson, N. & Chapman, S. (in preparation). An inquiry safari: Learning about gorillas.
Thomson, N. & Chapman, S. (in preparation). An inquiry safari: What can we learn from skulls?
Tippins, D., Thomson, N., Butler, M., Fowler, L., & Lawrence, M. (Eds.). (2005). Environmental dilemmas in Georgia: Considering alternative solutions. (National Science Foundation). Athens, GA: Partnership for Reform in Mathematics and Science Education.
Thomson, N. (2004). Radiation. The new book of knowledge, year 2005 edition: Reference for the 21st century. NY: Grolier, Scholastic Library Publishing.
Thomson, N. (2004). Radioactive elements. The new book of knowledge, year 2005 edition: Reference for the 21st century. NY: Grolier, Scholastic Library Publishing.
Thomson, N. (2004). Radiometric dating. The new book of knowledge, year 2005 edition: Reference for the 21st century. NY: Grolier, Scholastic Library Publishing.
Thomson, N. (2004). X rays. The new book of knowledge, year 2005 edition: Reference for the 21st century. NY: Grolier, Scholastic Library Publishing.Thomson,N. (2003). Classroom debates: Gonna, shoulda, eat mor chikin. In: T. Koballa & D.Tippins (Eds.). Cases in middle and secondary science education: The promise and dilemmas. 188 - 190. Columbus, OH: Prentice-Hall Publishing, Inc.
Thomson,N. (2003). Standards are needed, But what should they be? In: T. Koballa & D.Tippins (Eds.). Cases in middle and secondary science education: The promise and dilemmas. 258 - 260. Columbus, OH: Prentice-Hall Publishing, Inc.
Thomson, N. & Stewart, J. (2003). Genetics inquiry: Strategies and knowledge geneticists use in solving transmission genetics problems. Science Education, 87, 161 - 180. Available: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com
Thomson, N. (2003). Science education researchers as orthographers: Documenting Keiyo (Kenya) indigenous knowledge, learning, and narratives about snakes. International Journal of Science Education, 25, 89 - 115.
Thomson, N. & Chepyator-Thomson, J. (2002). Keiyo cattle raiding, Kechui, mathematics and science education: What do they have in common? Interchange, 33, 49 - 83. Available: http://www.kluweronline.com/issn/0826-4805/contents
Awarded: 2003 Most Outstanding Research Paper Award, Sigma Xi, University of Georgia Chapter.
Thomson, N. (2002). Science teacher education in Kenya and cultural extinction: How can the past serve as a link to the future? In: P. Fraser-Abder (Ed.) Professional development of science teachers.115 - 137. Dordrecht: Kluwer.
Thomson, N., Wilder, M., & Atwater, M. M. (2001). Critical multiculturalism and science teacher programs. In D. Lavoie & W-M. Roth (Eds.), Models for science teacher preparation. 195 - 212. Dordrecht: Kluwer.
Thomson, N. (2000). Investigating wound healing in plant cells: This spud's for you! The American Biology Teacher, 9, 496 - 501. Thomson, N. (2000). Mystery boxes, X-rays, and radiology. Science Scope, 5, 26 - 29. Available: http://www.coe.uga.edu/mse/science/outreach/index.html
Also available at teachervision.com compliments of National Science Teachers Association.
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